The Ledger

The publication began its journey on August 22, 1924, under the name Lakeland Evening Ledger. In 1927, it acquired its primary rival, the morning Lakeland Star-Telegram. By 1930, it became clear that Lakeland could only sustain one newspaper, leading Ledger Publishing Company to combine the two into a single morning edition called the Lakeland Ledger and Star-Telegram. In 1941, the Star-Telegram was removed from the title, and by 1967, the name was further simplified to just The Ledger.

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19 Polk County public schools will have new principals in 2025-26. Is yours one of them?

12 hours ago | theledger.com | Gary White

Nineteen Polk County public schools will have new principals for the 2025-2026 school year. Five principal reassignments are a result of retirements. Three high schools, one K-8 school, one traditional middle school and 14 elementary schools are affected by the changes. Students at 19 public schools in Polk County will return in August to find new principals. That is actually fewer than in 2024, when 20 schools received newly assigned leaders.
Polk State faculty say dissatisfaction with leadership goes well beyond enrollment figures

1 day ago | theledger.com | Gary White

Polk State College faculty members express discontent over various issues, including a potential enrollment decline, a disputed faculty salary study, data security concerns, alleged retaliation and high staff turnover. An election to consider a vote of no confidence for President Angela Garcia Falconetti was attempted by the Faculty Senate but proved invalid. Some faculty members describe a "toxic" environment at Polk State, citing low morale and lack of shared governance.
Polk State trustee blasts Faculty Senate for attempted no-confidence vote on president

2 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

Polk State College's Board of Trustees and Faculty Senate are clashing over a no-confidence vote on President Angela Garcia Falconetti. Trustee Ann Barnhart criticized the Faculty Senate's meeting procedures and questioned the fairness of the attempted vote. Four of five trustees who spoke at the meeting expressed strong support for Falconetti.
Alligator Alley trail at Circle B reopens after 8-month closure from Hurricane Milton damage

2 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

Circle B Bar Reserve's Alligator Alley trail, damaged by Hurricane Milton in October 2024, has reopened after eight months. Repairs focused on sections of the trail undermined or washed away by the hurricane, using on-site dirt. Polk County continues to work on long-term mitigation strategies to lessen future hurricane damage.
'Evolve with the times': Renovated Winter Haven Boys & Girls Clubs facility drawing more teens

2 days ago | theledger.com | Sara-Megan Walsh

The Boys and Girls Club of Polk County's Winter Haven location recently underwent a $4.8 million renovation. Upgrades include a new teen center with a recording studio, computer lab, and lounge. A new kitchen will allow the facility to serve hot meals to children and the community.
Workshop in Lakeland will offer health and wealth planning for LGBTQ-plus residents

2 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

A health and wealth workshop for the LGBTQ+ community aged 40 and older will be held June 18th at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art in Lakeland. The workshop will cover topics such as mental health, healthcare navigation, housing, long-term care, legal and estate planning, and financial advice. Aging Well with Pride, a health and wealth workshop for the LGBTQ-plus community age 40 and older, will be held June 18 at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art in Lakeland.
LK Nandam is leaving after nine years as leader of FDOT's District One, based in Bartow

3 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

L.K. Nandam, head of Florida Department of Transportation’s District One since 2016, is resigning effective June 5. Nandam's office oversees projects in 12 counties, ranging from Polk south to Collier County. FDOT has not yet named a replacement for Nandam. LK Nandam, who has led the Florida Department of Transportation’s District One office since 2016, is leaving the agency. June 5 is the final day for Nandam, the district secretary for the office based in Bartow, an agency spokesperson said.
Central Florida Health Care opens Bartow Pediatrics Center near family facility

3 days ago | theledger.com | Paul Nutcher

Central Florida Health Care (CFHC) opened a second location in Bartow, Florida, specifically a pediatric center. The new Bartow Pediatrics Health Center offers various services including well-child visits, immunizations, and same-day sick visits. CFHC acquired Children’s Medical Center and will have board-certified pediatrician Dr. Jessica Lopez Phelps joining the team. The non-profit organization accepts most insurance plans and offers a sliding fee scale for uninsured and underinsured patients.
2025 Hurricane Season: Polk County residents can sign up for these local alerts before storms

3 days ago | theledger.com | Sara-Megan Walsh

The 2025 hurricane season begins June 1st, with Polk County residents still recovering from Hurricane Milton. NOAA predicts 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes. Residents are urged to sign up for local alerts and follow social media for updates. It's here. The 2025 hurricane season arrived June 1 with many Polk County residents still recovering from last year.
66-year-old man was the victim of the Lakeland RV fire on May 31, by Polk Sheriff's Office says

4 days ago | theledger.com | Paul Nutcher

John Hubbard, Sr., 66, died in a recreational vehicle fire in Lakeland, Florida. The fire occurred at Hubbard's residence on May 31. The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death, and the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives will determine the fire's cause. No foul play is suspected at this time.